Boehner wrong to invite Netanyahu to speak

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to speak to Congress on March 3, after being invited by House Speaker John Boehner.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to speak to Congress on March 3, after being invited by House Speaker John Boehner. (GALI TIBBON, AFP/Getty Images)

Opinion: Why Boehner is wrong to invite Netanyahu to speak to Congress

House Speaker John Boehner's invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to Congress is simply wrong. Initially, it is a violation of traditional protocol recognizing the president as point person in foreign affairs. It is also a violation of an accepted practice of never inviting a foreign head-of-state before an election in his country. It is unprecedented.

"It is a way for them [Republicans] to embarrass and humiliate the Obama administration," stated Guy Ziv, professor of U.S.-Israeli relations at American University. It is apparent that Boehner and fellow Republicans have taken partisan politics to a new low.

This is also an unpopular decision. Even the pro-Israel head of the Anti-Defamation League, Abe Foxman, called Netanyahu's plan "ill-advised." He advises the prime minister to abandon his speech and stay at home. A recent CNN/ORC poll found that 63 percent of Americans disagree with Boehner's invitation to Netanyahu without first clearing it with the executive branch.

The speaker needs to rescind his invitation immediately. It is time for Republicans to do the right thing, and finally put country before party. I hope our local Republican congressmen have the moral compass and leadership to encourage the speaker to change this horrible decision.